In a forward-looking move aimed at accelerating technology adoption across rural India, AVPL International and CSC e-Governance Services India (CSC SPV) have executed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on mainstreaming drone technology across India’s rural economy. The collaboration is positioned to deepen technology access within village level ecosystems and enhance opportunities for entrepreneurs operating through the CSC network.
Collaboration Anchored in Rural Enablement
The partnership places AVPL International’s “Viraj UAS” agricultural drones, spare parts, and associated training programs onto CSC’s extensive digital platform, which is serviced by more than five lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs. By integrating product availability and service distribution through this network, the initiative aims to equip rural entrepreneurs with the tools required to operate and monetize drone based services. The arrangement is designed to streamline access, improve operational readiness, and create structured revenue pathways for individuals delivering drone solutions at the grassroots.
Strategic Commitment to Scalable Rural Impact
Reflecting on the partnership, Dr Preet Sandhu, Founder and Managing Director of AVPL International and Promoter of Startup Stairs, stated that the initiative builds directly on the organisation’s long held commitment to strengthening rural enterprise capabilities.
We have always envisioned a self reliant and empowered rural India. Through our association with CSC, our mission of creating one drone entrepreneur in every village becomes a significant milestone toward that vision. We remain deeply committed to empowering every CSC center with drone technology, enabling them to enhance their income, deliver advanced services, and contribute to the technological transformation of rural India.
The sentiment underscores the structured ambition behind the MoU, which extends beyond equipment deployment to include capacity building, operational support, and continuous enablement for channel partners across remote geographies.
Integrated Training and Skill Development Pathways
Under the agreement, AVPL International will supply drones, accessories, and after sales support while also overseeing training for CSC entrepreneurs and rural youth. The training framework covers drone operations, maintenance, and agricultural data practices. It is intended to facilitate a skilled rural workforce capable of offering services such as spraying, crop monitoring, and yield optimization using precision based methodologies. Through this approach, the collaboration seeks to enable new employment avenues while equipping farmers with modern tools that support more efficient, data supported agricultural decision making.
Also read: INTERVIEW | ‘One Drone, One Village’: Dr Preet Sandhu on AVPL’s Vision for Rural India
Farmer Centric Outcomes and Broader Development Alignment
The initiative brings direct value to farming communities through reduced water consumption, lower chemical exposure, and protection from health risks associated with manual spraying. It reinforces India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat objective by advancing domestic drone manufacturing and enabling a sustainable development pathway for rural regions. Both organisations view the program as a structured mechanism to promote upgraded agricultural practices while unlocking entrepreneurial potential at the village level.
Operational Framework Through CSC’s National Network
The MoU allows AVPL’s agricultural drones and related products to be marketed through CSC’s national platform. CSC SPV will oversee product onboarding, ensure visibility across its network, and support channel partner engagement to facilitate last mile delivery of services. AVPL International, aligned with its focus on Make in India and Skill India missions, will manage maintenance, warranty services, and lifecycle support for all products distributed through CSC.
Towards a Tech Enabled Rural Enterprise Ecosystem
The collaboration outlines a shared vision to build a nationwide ecosystem where rural entrepreneurs can access modern tools and deliver drone based services with consistency. By advancing the “One Drone Entrepreneur per Village” mission, the initiative strengthens rural employment pipelines and positions drone technology as a practical enabler within agricultural communities. The combined effort reflects a joint commitment to creating a technology enabled, self sustaining rural environment anchored in accessibility, capability building, and long term ecosystem development.
